Information on the application process, policies and strategies, call notification services, sources of funding, guidance and information for funders

Specialist advisors

Specialist advisors support research funding applications by helping to determine the most appropriate source of funding; ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria and assisting with the interpretation and application of call guidelines and funder rules.

Funding advisors

Funding advisors assist applicants with estimating costs and putting together project budgets using the University’s rates; facilitate the approval and submission process and, for major UK research funders such as RCUK, complete the final step in the submission process.

R&I business partners

Business partners manage the relationship between the faculties and R&I services. They have a strategic overview of research priorities and major research activity, and can refer staff to appropriate specialist support in R&I.

Other support may be available from within your:

Introduction

For most research active staff, securing external funding is a priority.

Applying for external research funds is extremely competitive and only the best applications are likely to be funded – most major grant schemes fund about one application in every four received.

The chances of success are increased with good advice on the scientific, presentational and administrative aspects of applications.

Whatever the nature of your project, all external funding also brings responsibilities and resource implications for the University and so it is essential that you are aware of the issues involved and follow the correct procedures.

Research specialist advisors and funding advisors are available to help you and provide advice and guidance on applying for external research funding. University of Plymouth staff and students should aim to contact the funding advisors for help with estimating the budget for their project as soon as possible (at least three weeks before the deadline). We advise that applicants should leave at least one week to complete the peer review and internal sign off process. Some funders require additional documents that require the Office of the Vice-Chancellor's (OVC) sign off. Please contact a research specialist advisor to check if this is necessary.

For a full index of our resource and guidance pages, please see the gallery below.